Fall event season in New Braunfels is just getting started.

Beginning September 23, the calendar moves quickly into the Comal County Fair, Gruene weekends, live music, arts events, outdoor activities and eventually Wurstfest.

For people who already live here, these weekends are part of the rhythm of New Braunfels. They can also mean heavier traffic around downtown, Gruene, Landa Park and the fairgrounds.

For someone considering a move to New Braunfels, attending one of these events can provide a different look at the city than you get while driving between home showings. You see how people use downtown, how Gruene functions on a busy weekend, where traffic builds and how different parts of town connect.

This guide was prepared for publication on September 22, 2026 and focuses on confirmed events taking place after that date. Event schedules, ticket prices and transportation details can change, so it is worth checking the organizer before heading out.

New Braunfels Fall Events 2026 at a Glance

The dates above are currently confirmed by the individual organizers or the City of New Braunfels.

Comal County Fair & Rodeo starts September 23

The timing of this guide works out especially well because one of New Braunfels' biggest traditions begins the following day.

The 2026 Comal County Fair & Rodeo runs Wednesday, September 23 through Sunday, September 27 at 701 E. Common Street. The fair includes livestock shows, carnival rides, food, entertainment and rodeo events.

Admission varies by day. Wednesday and Sunday currently offer free general admission. Thursday and Friday admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 6 through 11. Saturday adult admission starts at $10 and increases to $15 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Children under age 6 are admitted free.

The Fair Parade is Friday morning

The annual Comal County Fair Parade begins Friday, September 25 at 9 a.m. The Fair Association describes it as one of Central Texas' largest county fair parades.

That Friday morning is worth remembering even if you are not attending the parade. Downtown traffic and normal travel routes can look very different during the event.

Consider the free shuttle

The Fair Association is offering free parking and shuttle service from Schlitterbahn's Surfenburg on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Buses are scheduled about every 15 minutes.

Parking directly at the fairgrounds is currently $10 per vehicle and cash only.

For people attending during the busiest evening hours, the shuttle may be easier than trying to park close to the fairgrounds.

Gruene Music & Wine Festival returns October 8-11

October gets busy quickly in Gruene.

The Gruene Music & Wine Festival runs October 8 through 11 with four days of events centered around Gruene Hall and The Grapevine. Proceeds benefit United Way of Comal & Guadalupe Counties.

Thursday's Kickoff Party runs from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Grapevine and offers free admission. Wine and beer tasting tickets are sold separately, and Robert Earl Keen is scheduled at Gruene Hall later that evening.

Friday's Stars & Guitars event featuring Shane Smith & The Saints is currently sold out.

Saturday's Tastings & Tunes runs from noon to 6 p.m. and also offers free admission, with Texas winery and brewery tastings available for purchase. The SteelDrivers are scheduled at Gruene Hall later that night.

Sunday closes the festival with the ticketed Sunday All-Star Playlist at Gruene Hall, featuring a lineup of Texas country and Americana artists.

Even without a ticketed concert, expect Gruene to be busier than a typical weekend.

Old Gruene Market Days returns October 17 and 18

Old Gruene Market Days gives visitors another reason to spend a fall weekend in the historic district.

The October market runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nearly 100 artisans participate, offering handmade goods and packaged Texas foods. Admission and parking are free.

The Gruene calendar also currently includes multiple live performances throughout the weekend, including several free daytime shows at Gruene Hall and the Gristmill area.

That makes the weekend a good option for anyone who wants a less structured outing. You can browse the market, walk through Gruene, catch some music and stay for a meal without building the day around one ticketed event.

Panther Canyon Night Hike is October 23

For something completely different, New Braunfels Parks and Recreation is hosting a Panther Canyon Night Hike on Friday, October 23.

The guided "Creepy Crawlies" program runs from 7 to 9 p.m. along Panther Canyon Nature Trail. Participants will look for nocturnal wildlife and insects with staff while learning about the creatures active after dark.

Current registration is $8 per person. Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight and appropriate walking shoes.

It is a good example of a smaller local program that can get overlooked during a season dominated by major festivals.

October 24 may be the most packed day of the fall calendar

Several events take place across New Braunfels on Saturday, October 24.

Texas Clay Festival in Gruene

The 34th Annual Texas Clay Festival runs October 24 and 25 in the Gruene Historic District.

More than 80 Texas potters and clay artists are scheduled to participate. Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can see and purchase pottery ranging from traditional pieces to sculptural work, with artist demonstrations scheduled during the festival.

For people who usually associate Gruene with restaurants and live music, this event gives the historic district a noticeably different feel.

Monarch Festival at Fischer Park

The City of New Braunfels is also hosting Monarch Festival on October 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fischer Park.

The free event celebrates the monarch butterfly with games, crafts, educational exhibits, food trucks and other activities. A free park-and-ride shuttle is scheduled from New Braunfels Nazarene Church from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The event is centered on monarch migration, pollinators and practical ways people can support monarch habitat.

New Braunfels Train Show

The New Braunfels Train Show also takes place October 24 and 25 at the New Braunfels Civic & Convention Center.

Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with Sunday running from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show features model railroad displays along with vendors selling, buying and trading railroad and model-railroad merchandise. A Junior Engineer layout gives younger visitors an opportunity to operate trains.

Between Gruene, Fischer Park and downtown, October 24 offers several completely different ways to spend the day.

Downtown Spooktacular is October 29

Downtown Spooktacular takes place Thursday, October 29 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Main Plaza and throughout downtown New Braunfels.

The free City event includes trick-or-treat stops hosted by downtown businesses, City departments and community partners. Teal pumpkin locations provide non-candy options.

Free parking is available at City Hall, with shuttle service running from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

It is another good example of Main Plaza and downtown functioning as a community gathering place rather than simply a shopping and restaurant district.

Wurstfest runs November 6-15

Wurstfest remains the signature November event in New Braunfels.

The 65th annual festival runs November 6 through 15 near the headwaters of the Comal River. The festival combines German heritage with Texas traditions through music, food, dancing and entertainment.

Wurstfest admission varies by day

Monday through Thursday general admission is free.

Friday and Sunday admission is currently $15 online and $20 at the gate. Saturday admission is $25 online and $30 at the gate. Children age 12 and younger are admitted free every day. The final Sunday becomes free after 3 p.m.

That gives local residents an opportunity to experience Wurstfest on a weeknight without paying general admission.

Consider Park N' Ride

The official Park N' Ride operates from the Comal County Fairgrounds.

Current pricing is $10 per person age 13 and older, with children age 12 and younger riding free. The service operates throughout the festival dates and does not require a reservation.

On busy Friday and Saturday evenings, having a transportation plan before leaving home can make the experience much easier.

Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony is November 7

The City of New Braunfels Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 7 in downtown New Braunfels.

The ceremony begins at 9 a.m. at Main Plaza, followed by the parade at 10 a.m. The event is free and features veterans organizations, community groups and other local participants.

Because November 7 is also the first Saturday of Wurstfest, central New Braunfels will have multiple significant events happening that day.

Downtown Lighting begins the holiday transition November 20

Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival takes place Friday, November 20 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Main Plaza.

The free event includes the downtown lighting countdown, holiday music, a small Holiday Haus market and opportunities for visitors to take their own photos with Santa.

A free shuttle is scheduled from City Hall between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m.

This is technically the beginning of New Braunfels' holiday season, although its late-November timing makes it a natural ending point for a fall events guide.

Gruene Market Days returns November 21 and 22

The day after the downtown lighting, Old Gruene Market Days returns from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. November 21 and 22.

The market again features nearly 100 artisans, free admission and free parking.

That makes November 20 through 22 a particularly good weekend for visitors who want to experience both downtown New Braunfels and Gruene.

The Farmers Market continues throughout fall

Large festivals get most of the attention, but one of the easiest New Braunfels activities is available every week.

The New Braunfels Farmers Market operates every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, at 186 S. Castell Avenue next to Krause's Café & Biergarten.

The market currently lists more than 70 vendors offering produce, meats, dairy products, breads, prepared foods, artisan products and other locally produced goods.

For someone researching New Braunfels as a place to live, recurring activities like this can provide a better feel for ordinary community life than only attending the largest annual festival.

Which fall weekends have the most happening?

September 23-27 revolves around the Comal County Fair, with the Fair Parade taking place Friday morning.

October 8-11 brings four days of the Gruene Music & Wine Festival.

October 17-18 is a strong Gruene weekend with Old Gruene Market Days and a full schedule of live music.

October 23-25 is particularly packed. The Panther Canyon Night Hike happens Friday, followed by Texas Clay Festival, Monarch Festival and the New Braunfels Train Show over the weekend.

November 6-15 is Wurstfest, with the Veterans Day Parade also taking place November 7.

November 20-22 combines Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival with Old Gruene Market Days.

Fall shows a different side of New Braunfels

New Braunfels gets plenty of attention during summer because of the Comal River, Guadalupe River and seasonal tourism.

Fall shows another part of the community.

The Comal County Fair reflects long-standing local traditions. Gruene brings together live music, markets and Texas artists. Fischer Park highlights outdoor recreation and nature education. Wurstfest connects directly with the city's German heritage.

These events also happen in very different parts of New Braunfels.

Someone considering buying here should pay attention to those differences. Gruene, downtown, Landa Park, the fairgrounds and newer development areas do not have identical traffic patterns or access.

Spending time in New Braunfels outside of a showing appointment can help you understand how the city actually functions.

How Correa Realty Group Can Help

Understanding New Braunfels takes more than scrolling through listings.

Where a home sits within the city can affect access to I-35, downtown, Gruene, the rivers, work, shopping and the places you use regularly. Property taxes, utilities, traffic patterns, lot characteristics and nearby development can also vary.

Correa Realty Group helps buyers and sellers understand those practical differences while navigating the real estate side of the decision. We serve New Braunfels, Garden Ridge, Schertz, Cibolo, San Antonio and surrounding communities.

If you are considering buying, selling or relocating in New Braunfels or the surrounding area, contact Correa Realty Group. We are happy to help you compare locations, understand the local market and make an informed decision about your next chapter.

FAQs

What fall events are still happening in New Braunfels after September 22, 2026?

Several major events remain after September 22. The Comal County Fair runs September 23-27, the Gruene Music & Wine Festival takes place October 8-11, Texas Clay Festival is October 24-25, and Wurstfest runs November 6-15. Old Gruene Market Days, Monarch Festival, Downtown Spooktacular, the Veterans Day Parade and Downtown Lighting are also still ahead.

When is the Comal County Fair in 2026?

The 2026 Comal County Fair & Rodeo runs September 23 through September 27 at the fairgrounds on Common Street in New Braunfels. The annual Fair Parade takes place Friday, September 25 at 9 a.m. General fair admission varies by day, with free admission currently scheduled for Wednesday and Sunday.

When is Wurstfest in New Braunfels in 2026?

Wurstfest runs November 6-15, 2026. Monday through Thursday admission is free, while Friday, Saturday and Sunday pricing varies. Children age 12 and younger are admitted free every day.

What free fall events are happening in New Braunfels?

Several fall activities offer free admission. Old Gruene Market Days is free, Monarch Festival at Fischer Park is free, Downtown Spooktacular is free, the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony is free, and Downtown Lighting & Santa's Arrival is free. Wurstfest also offers free general admission Monday through Thursday.

What is happening in Gruene during fall 2026?

The Gruene Music & Wine Festival runs October 8-11. Old Gruene Market Days returns October 17-18 and November 21-22, while Texas Clay Festival takes place October 24-25. Gruene Hall also maintains a busy calendar of free and ticketed live music throughout the season.

What is a good October weekend to visit New Braunfels?

October 23-25 offers one of the broadest mixes of activities. Panther Canyon hosts a night hike Friday, followed Saturday and Sunday by Texas Clay Festival and the New Braunfels Train Show. Monarch Festival also takes place Saturday at Fischer Park. October 17-18 is another good option if you prefer Gruene Market Days and live music.

What is Monarch Festival in New Braunfels?

Monarch Festival is a free City event scheduled for October 24 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fischer Park. The program celebrates monarch butterflies and their migration with educational exhibits, games, crafts, food trucks and other activities. A free park-and-ride shuttle is also planned from New Braunfels Nazarene Church.

How much should I budget for fall events in New Braunfels?

You can plan an outing around free events or spend considerably more on admission, food and entertainment. Gruene Market Days, Monarch Festival and several City events offer free admission. Wurstfest is free Monday through Thursday, while weekend admission currently ranges from $15 to $30 depending on the day and how tickets are purchased.

When should I expect heavier traffic in New Braunfels this fall?

Major event weekends deserve extra travel time, particularly the Comal County Fair, Gruene Music & Wine Festival, Texas Clay Festival and Wurstfest. The Fair Parade also affects downtown on the morning of September 25. Parking and shuttle arrangements vary by event, so checking transportation information before leaving home can make the trip easier.

When can professional real estate guidance help if I am considering New Braunfels?

Local real estate guidance can be useful when comparing locations within New Braunfels rather than simply choosing a home online. A REALTOR® can help evaluate housing costs, property taxes, utilities, access to I-35, commute patterns, nearby development and property-specific considerations. Spending time in the city during ordinary days and major event weekends can add useful context.